GM in Deal to Cut Working Hours at German Plants

By

Jeff Bennett

Updated Aug. 23, 2012 5:29 p.m. ET

General Motors Co. reached an agreement with labor representatives in Germany to cut production at its Opel unit by sending workers home early as many as 20 times between Sept. 1 and the end of the year.

The moves will be carried out at two of Opel's four German plants and represent an effort by GM to stem losses amid a long and painful decline in European auto sales. The actions are also being supported by the German government,...